Supermodel Jodie Kidd takes part in British Gas Great London Swim

News Release 1 July 2010 Supermodel Jodie Kidd takes part in British Gas Great London Swim Supermodel Jodie Kidd will be swapping the catwalk for a taste of real adventure this weekend. The 31-year-old is taking part in the British Gas Great London swim at the Royal Victoria Dock near the ExCeL centre in the East End on Saturday (3 July). Jodie is no stranger to challenging activity and completed last year’s Gumball Rally – a 3,000 mile road trip across the United States – and has raced Top Gear TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson. Well-known for her appearance on the Strictly Come Dancing TV show, where she reached week 10, Jodie has been in training to ensure she completes this weekend’s one-mile open water swim. In fact, she has been having swimming lessons from Beijing Olympic 10k silver medalist Dave Davies, who will also be taking part in the elite men’s race. Jodie said: “Swimming has always been one of my favourite sports and due to a recent injury; it’s become my preferred form of exercise and the only sport I can practice without restrictions. I’m very excited and hope my competitive streak will rise to the challenge. I aim to complete the swim as part of a fundraising cause for both Save a London Child and the Jodie Kidd Foundation.” The star-studded British Gas Great London Swim has attracted a bumper field of 5,000 swimmers – an amazing five times last year’s inaugural entry. Swimmers will take part in a series of waves, starting at 8.30am and continuing until 4.30pm. Jodie will be competing in the 9am wave. The elite women’s race will be staged at noon with the elite men following at 12.30pm. The event is the second of five open water swims taking place across the country with the next installment being the British Gas Great Scottish Swim at Strathclyde Loch near Glasgow on August 21. Over 20,000 swimmers are expected to take part in the series. For more details visit www.greatswim.org -ENDS- For more information or for media accreditation contact Caroline Holmes, Communications Executive Great Swim T: 07894 386 688 E: caroline.holmes@nova-international.com